The British History Podcast

Jamie Jeffers

The BHP is a chronological retelling of the history of Britain with a particular focus upon the lives of the people. You won’t find a dry recounting of dates and battles here, but instead you’ll learn about who these people were and how their desires, fears, and flaws shaped the scope of this island at the edge of the world. And some of those desires are downright scandalous. read less

Our Editor's Take

The British History Podcast retells stories from the early days of the United Kingdom. In chronological order, it relays each epoch in British history. Unlike most history books, it focuses on more than significant events. It focuses on the people who lived through them. What did the people who died in battle desire? What were they afraid of, and what mistakes did they make? How did all the people who lost their villages to war and city planning feel?

For Jamie Jeffers, history is never too distant to touch. He is the host and creator of The British History Podcast. He believes everyone can benefit from listening to these stories. In days past, people learned their history through oral tradition. The podcast aims to connect with history in this way. For Jeffers, this method of sharing history makes it accessible to everyone.

Listeners don't need to be from Wales, Scotland, or England to love this podcast. Its concept makes British history relatable to all. It covers topics like the wars between England and France. Its long-range royal watching assesses the fate of King William. Another subject is the tragedy of the Siege of Exeter, which left thousands dead. There are also lesser-known tales like those of Hereward the Wake and Godwinson's revenge.

The British History Podcast's retelling of these stories reveals the inner lives of the people who were there long ago. This approach offers even experts a new perspective.

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Play Trailer

1 – A History of Britain

1 – A History of Britain

My name is Jamie, and this show is a chronological retelling of the story of Britain, from its very earliest days when prehistoric man shared the island with Giant Deer and massive earth grinding glaciers… all the way to the dawn of the Second World War. This show focuses upon the people, the drama, and […] The post 1 – A History of Britain first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Season 10

449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys

449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys

Strap yourselves in. These kids are something else. The post 449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys first appeared on The British History Podcast.

450 – Begin With A Bang

450 – Begin With A Bang

It was early September of 1087, and for weeks…nearly two months, in fact… people had been discussing William’s impending death, and worrying about what would happen next. And for good reason. This family, which ruled over Normandy, had a history of infighting and civil wars, especially during times of succession. The post 450 – Begin With A Bang first appeared on The British History Podcast.

451 – The Lucky Few

451 – The Lucky Few

You know, I almost titled the last episode “The Gang Goes To A Funeral” but the trouble was that the gang /didn’t/ go to the funeral. All of them decided they had somewhere else to be. The post 451 – The Lucky Few first appeared on The British History Podcast.

452 – Odo? Oh Yes.

452 – Odo? Oh Yes.

Somewhere around the time William the First was bursting out of his tomb like roasted chestnut and William the Second was making it rain with his dead dad’s money….something was turning in western culture as a whole. The post 452 – Odo? Oh Yes. first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition

Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition

We’re joining the Sisterhood of the Travelling Uterus for this one. The post Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition first appeared on The British History Podcast.

453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War

453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War

Primogeniture, the practice of handing all wealth and power from father to the eldest son, had done a lot to consolidate power along single family lines. But it created all manner of problems for …well, pretty much everyone else. The post 453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War first appeared on The British History Podcast.

454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever

454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever

It was Easter of 1088. This was, typically, a time when the most powerful figures of England would gather at Court. But this wasn’t a typical year. The post 454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever first appeared on The British History Podcast.

455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies

455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies

Word of Rufus’ army, and the destruction of the rebel forces at Tunbridge, had no doubt reached Pevensey and its commander, Robert of Mortain… and I think it’s highly likely that the messengers also reported that the King’s army had turned north, towards Rochester. Bishop Odo’s stronghold. The post 455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin

Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin

Got a jealousy problem and a spare leek? Boy, do we ever have a cure for you. The post Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin first appeared on The British History Podcast.

456 – Law and Order: Durham

456 – Law and Order: Durham

William Rufus’ first year as King had probably not gone down as he hoped. And as Bishop Odo and his co-conspirators boarded their ships and sought sanctuary in Normandy…Rufus could only return to court and count the rest of his problems.. The post 456 – Law and Order: Durham first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil

Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil

I’ve gotta be honest, some of these spells seem a bit rude. The post Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil first appeared on The British History Podcast.

457 – The Bachelor King

457 – The Bachelor King

William the Conqueror had not set his sons up for success, and at the heart of it was land. Obviously, the way he distributed those lands in his Will had been a bit of a disaster, as it had set his two eldest sons up for war. The post 457 – The Bachelor King first appeared on The British History Podcast.

458 – Henry’s Story

458 – Henry’s Story

The last two episodes have been focused on how King William Rufus handled the aftermath of the rebellion, and the political moves being made. But Rufus didn’t exist in a vacuum… and across the Channel, his brothers were also making moves. The post 458 – Henry’s Story first appeared on The British History Podcast.

459 – Lashing Out

459 – Lashing Out

With Count Henry and Robert of Belleme imprisoned under his tender care, Bishop Odo had free rein to guide the impressionable Duke Robert in whatever direction he wanted. And he had a direction in mind. The post 459 – Lashing Out first appeared on The British History Podcast.

460 – The White Tower

460 – The White Tower

It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The White Tower, or more recently, the Tower of London. If you’ve visited London you likely took time to go see it. The post 460 – The White Tower first appeared on The British History Podcast.

461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide

461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide

We’ve been spending a lot of time with Rufus and Robert. And that was the way things were back in the 11th century, too. Rufus and Robert got the attention, while Henry… the youngest, and apparently most forgettable brother… was often left out. And this reality was made most clear when their father died… and, […] The post 461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide first appeared on The British History Podcast.

462 – Defenestration Nation

462 – Defenestration Nation

You’ve probably heard the phrase “it takes money to make money,” and while usually the person telling you that is just trying to sell you something you don’t need….there is some truth to it. At least in the way our economy works. It’s also true of how feudal economies worked. The post 462 – Defenestration Nation first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Season 9

Chapter Nine – The Normans

Chapter Nine – The Normans

The King is dead. The post Chapter Nine – The Normans first appeared on The British History Podcast.

A Quick Update From Zee

A Quick Update From Zee

A New Shoptalk Just Dropped The post A Quick Update From Zee first appeared on The British History Podcast.

392 – The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors

392 – The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors

Chaos. The orderly rhythm of attacks… and the steady wall of the war hedge had dissolved, and it was replaced by a raging melee. The post 392 – The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors first appeared on The British History Podcast.